49761728407 fe387f46b3 bThis year, the state of Illinois was recognized by the Springfield Historic Sites Commission with the 2021 Historic Preservation Award to honor and recognize efforts to preserve historical buildings in downtown Springfield.

The state has made a strong effort to preserve many old buildings in Springfield, including the Illinois State Armory, Old State Capitol dome, former State Journal Register building and the Chase/Marine building. This recognition comes as Central Management Services continues to optimize the state’s real estate portfolio and redevelop several properties for the state to use in the upcoming Capital Complex Master Plan for 2050.

“The revitalization of properties in Springfield helps us preserve the rich architectural history of our state’s capital complex,” said CMS Director Janel L. Forde. “CMS continues to work in partnership with other State agencies and offices to help rebuild Illinois and boost economic development in downtown Springfield.”

CMS bureau of Property Management Deputy Director Michael Pittman attended the award ceremony to accept the award for Preservation Effort Involving a Public Facility for work underway to revitalize the State Armory Building and the old State Journal Register building.

“We are proud to receive this esteemed honor from the Historic Sites Commission,” said Michael Pittman. “We’re generating economic benefits to downtown Springfield with these projects, and also making these workplaces more modern, accessible, and sustainable.”

Renovations to the old State Journal Register building will include exterior and interior upgrades that will add and clean 8,300 square feet to 40,000 square feet of office space that will house 80 state employees. Renovations to the Armory Building include restoration and comprehensive interior renovation for modern office spaces.

For more information about the 2021 Historic Preservation Awards, visit the Springfield Business Journal.